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Brother Innov-ís 900D - Black and White (oh, and Red) Blouse

I saw a blouse in a catalog that I receive, you know the one with gorgeous clothes in a funky setting that cost a lot of money and begins with "A"? The blouse had a black and white design on one side. I decided I could make a similar design using the floral card.

I used this pattern, recommended by my younger sister, who swears that it took only one hour to make. Sure...

This was the original color design from the floral embroidery card.

Since I only wanted to use two colors, I figured that I could basically just not change threads when the machine prompted me to and, for the red parts, the machine has the ability to go back over the same area. This is really nice because if you do mess up, you can fix it. But, I wanted to do it on purpose, so I just moved the needle position one stitch over so that both colors would show through!

I photocopied the pattern, cut it up and taped it together.

The plan! I just used color to help me orient the placement of the embroidery hoop.

Instead of cutting out the pattern, I marked the piece with basting thread and left a lot of fabric around, which turned out to be a very good thing! I also backed it with the recommended washable stabilizer.

I had to use the large hoop to be able to move the embroidery around. I really like how easy it is to change the postion of the hoop.

The first layer of embroidery!

Ok, not exactly to plan, because what I found out was that there was a bit more overlap than I thought and I did not like the look once I saw it on the fabric. A girl can change her mind, right? Do you see how close to the outside line the finished embroidery is on the right? Good thing I left fabric because I had to re-adjust the pattern so that I would not sew over the embroidery! UGH!

I had to wash out the stabilizer before sewing, so since it was a nice day, I hung it out to dry. The piece is still flat. I have not cut the pattern out yet. I had to pin to tissue paper just to be sure it did not get dirty on the line:

I decided to add a bit more pattern to the sleeves and the tie. Here it is -- all finished and ready to wear!